Each week, we will showcase one of our CAHNRS Ambassadors, a student leadership organization that encourages students to pursue higher education and serves as a liaison between the college and the greater community. This week, we’re featuring Tyler Baker, a senior from Geneseo, NY.
What are you studying?
I’m majoring in Fruit & Vegetable Management and Landscape, Nursery, Greenhouse Management. I’m also minoring in Horticulture.
What is a fun fact about you?
I attended three different high schools (two in Washington and one in New York), and I did running start at Skagit Valley College.
Why WSU?
Honestly, WSU was not my first choice but after learning about what CAHNRS had to offer and their extensive apple programs, I knew I would call WSU home.
What is special about being a CAHNRS Coug?
CAHNRS is a family and everyone is invested.
Where do you want to be (professionally or personally) 10 years after you graduate?
Professionally, I would like to own my own apple orchard and run an apple cider mill.
Favorite class you have taken within CAHNRS so far? Why?
Horticulture 416 with Amit Dhingra – I really enjoyed his method of teaching, engaging the students by using a discussion-based learning (Socratic Method) environment, which allows students to explore ideas and learn concepts in an open setting. I also enjoyed how the topics were focused on the practical application of plant physiology and how we worked on every scale – from the chloroplast to the whole system.
What other extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
I have participated in Horticulture Club, Organic Agriculture Club, Viticulture & Enology Club, and Gun Club, and I have also worked at the Tukey Orchard and the Horticulture Display Garden. I am currently planning on starting an Apple Cider Club.
Favorite Ferdinand’s flavor of ice cream?
Apple Cup Crisp